EP13: Communication and Counselling Skills for Practice

Communication skills for IBCLCs: strengthening interpersonal connections with women and families for effective, compassionate support

Communication skills are essential to enhance interactions with pregnant women, new mothers and their families, recognising that effective communication underpins meaningful breastfeeding counselling. Also explored are culturally informed approaches to communication and counselling, supporting respectful, woman‑centred and family‑centred care across diverse communities.

Course Learning Outcomes

Critically evaluate communication strategies to develop effective interpersonal and interprofessional collaborative relationships in lactation practice.
Critically apply communication theory to demonstrate active listening, empathy, and motivational interviewing techniques in person-centred breastfeeding counselling.
Critically analyse counselling frameworks to apply client-centred techniques that support informed decision-making and empower breastfeeding families.
Critically evaluate therapeutic communication skills to facilitate empathetic, non-judgemental counselling relationships that address barriers and build confidence.
Critically apply counselling frameworks and therapeutic communication skills to facilitate empathetic, client-centred relationships that support informed decision-makingwithin the scope of an IBCLC®.

IBLCE® Detailed Content Outline

Every module maps directly to the IBLCE® Detailed Content Outline, building your knowledge progressively from foundational science through to clinical application.

This course covers the following IBLCE® DCO items. The applicable Lactation (L), Ethics (E) and Related (R) hours are shown against each heading.

A. Equipment and Technology

B. Education and Communication

C. Ethical and Legal Issues

D. Research

E. Public Health and Advocacy

A. Equipment and Technology

1. Feeding devices (e.g., tubes at breast, cups, syringes, teats, paladai)

2. Handling and storage of human milk

3. Nipple devices (e.g., shields, everters)

4. Dummies (pacifiers)

5. Pumps

6. Scales (e.g., accuracy, precision, operation)

7. Communication technology (e.g., virtual visits, translation or interpretation services, websites)

B. Education and Communication

1. Active listening

2. Anticipatory guidance

3. Care plan development and sharing

4. Educating mothers and families

5. Educating professionals, peers, and students

6. Emotional support

7. Empowerment

8. Group support

C. Ethical and Legal Issues

1. Breastfeeding in public

2. Clinical competencies

3. Code of Professional Conduct (CPC)

4. Principles of confidentiality

5. WHO code - advocacy and policy

D. Research

1. Apply evidence-based practice

2. Interpret research results

3. Use research to help develop policies and protocols

4. Design research (including gaining ethical permission)

5. Participate in surveys and data collection

E. Public Health and Advocacy

1. Advocate for Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)

2. Advocate for compliance with World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (WHO Code)

3. Advocate for mother / infant in healthcare system

4. Develop breastfeeding-related policies

5. Advocate to government / health ministries

6. Breastfeeding in emergency situations (e.g., natural disasters, personal emergencies)

Course Content

Welcome